How to use an injection pen and mix a vial: device technique videos
These two short videos show general technique for two common injection devices: a click-dial pen and a vial you mix yourself. They're only for people whose doctor has already prescribed one of these devices. In short: use clean hands and supplies, follow your pharmacist's exact instructions for the dial or the mixing liquid, never change what your doctor prescribed, and put needles in a sharps container. Peptide Doctor Australia is a matching service, not a clinic, and doesn't prescribe or supply medicines. Your prescribing doctor, your pharmacist and the product leaflet always come first.
How do you use a click-dial injection pen?
To use a click-dial injection pen, wash your hands, check it's the pen prescribed for you, attach a new needle, do a flow check if your instructions include one, set the dial exactly as your doctor prescribed, inject into an area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, then put the needle in a sharps container.
Only for a device your doctor has already prescribed for you. General device-technique information, not medical advice.
Transcript
Patient education only. Use your medicine exactly as your prescribing doctor and pharmacist have told you. This video doesn't replace their instructions.
Before you start, wash your hands. Check the pen is the one prescribed for you and that it's within its expiry date.
Take a new needle, peel off the tab, and screw it straight onto the pen. Pull off the outer cap and keep it. Then remove the inner cap.
If your instructions say to do a flow check, do it now, exactly as your pharmacist showed you.
Turn the dial to the dose your doctor prescribed. Never change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
Choose an injection area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, such as the tummy or the thigh, and change spots each time. Push the needle straight in, press the button all the way, and hold for the count in your instructions before you remove it.
Put the outer cap back on, unscrew the needle, and drop it into a sharps container. Store your pen as your instructions say.
Not sure about any step, or feeling unwell after an injection? Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000.
How do you mix (reconstitute) a vial medicine?
To mix (reconstitute) a vial, set up on a clean surface, swab the rubber tops, draw up exactly the amount of mixing liquid your pharmacist specified, let it run slowly down the inside of the vial, swirl gently without shaking, and check it looks the way your pharmacist described before you use it.
Only for a device your doctor has already prescribed for you. General device-technique information, not medical advice.
Transcript
Patient education only. Use your medicine exactly as your prescribing doctor and pharmacist have told you. This video doesn't replace their instructions.
Wash your hands and set up on a clean, dry surface. Your pharmacist will tell you what you need. Usually that's your medicine vial, the mixing liquid, a syringe, alcohol swabs and a sharps container.
Flip off the vial caps and wipe each rubber top with a fresh alcohol swab. Let them dry.
Draw up the exact amount of mixing liquid your pharmacist told you to use.
Push the needle into the medicine vial and let the liquid run slowly down the inside wall. Don't squirt it straight onto the powder.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until it's dissolved. Don't shake it. Check the liquid looks the way your pharmacist described. If it doesn't, don't use it.
Write the date you mixed it on the label. Store it as instructed, usually in the fridge, and throw it out by the date your pharmacist gave you.
Put used needles straight into your sharps container. Questions? Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
General device-technique information only. Follow the instructions from your prescribing doctor and pharmacist and the product leaflet. This isn't medical advice: talk to your doctor about your own care. Peptide Doctor Australia is a matching service, not a clinic, and doesn't prescribe or supply medicines. In an emergency, call 000.
Common questions
Do I need a prescription to use these devices?
Yes. Only use a pen or vial that a doctor has prescribed for you and a pharmacist has dispensed. These videos are general device technique, not a reason to start any treatment.
Do these videos replace my pharmacist's instructions?
No. Your prescribing doctor, your pharmacist and the product leaflet come first. Steps such as flow checks, mixing amounts and storage vary between products.
Does Peptide Doctor Australia supply devices or medicines?
No. Peptide Doctor Australia is a matching service, not a clinic. We don't prescribe, supply or dispense anything. Any treatment decision is made by the treating doctor.
Where should I inject?
Use the area your doctor or pharmacist recommended, and change spots each time.
What should I do with used needles?
Put them straight into a sharps container, not the household bin. Your pharmacist can tell you where to get one and how to dispose of it locally.
Who do I contact if I feel unwell after an injection?
Contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000.